Non-Matrix Uncertainty Management Through the Integration of Drilling, Production, and Seismic Data in the Supergiant Kashagan Field

Abstract

Abstract The Kashagan supergiant oil field is a naturally fractured and karstified carbonate reservoir located in the Precaspian basin of Kazakhstan. Karst manifests itself in multiple forms within the reservoir, but the most important forms are geobodies, which are presumed to represent paleocaves (Figure 1). The distribution and properties of the reservoir geobodies are highly uncertain since they can only be ascertained through the use of 3D seismic and well penetrations. The current wells show a high degree of variability in production performance (e.g. PI, rates) despite the relative proximity of the wells. This variability is assumed to be influenced primarily by the proximity to geobodies and associated non-matrix permeability. Therefore, a more robust validation of geobodies calibrated with production data will support updates to reservoir architecture in geological models and enable optimization of future well placement.